COMMUNITY Check out the kids camps Page 13
BUSINESS Tulameen’s best kept secret is let out Page 3
ENTERTAINMENT
Get ready for this year’s Music Festival Page 12 $1.10 Includes TAX
SPOTLIGHT The Similkameen
Volume 63 Issue 29
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com
Finding solutions to ER issue Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
At a meeting held in Princeton on Thursday, July 12 with Interior Health Authority and the Stakeholders Table (Similkameen Valley Representatives’ Table) Acting Mayor Jason Earle and RDOS Area representative Brad Hope, developed a funding solution with a program called REEF (Rural Emergency Enhancement Fund). It is hoped that by accessing these funds that 24/7 Emergency Room (ER) services will be restored to the Princeton General Hospital. Industry has put forward bridge-funding as a temporary stop-gap measure to assist in the acquisition of locums to cover the ER until REEF funding is in place. The Stakeholders Table has been working actively to come up with solutions to the doctor recruitment and retention issue. One of the solutions decided upon was providing a residence for locums. During the regular meeting of council on Monday, July 16 a motion was passed by Coun. Maynard and seconded by Coun. Harkness to lease a home for locums. The motion was carried. It was agreed by council to enter into a lease agreement with Fred and Company Builders Inc., to lease a townhouse, fully furnished and maintained for $2200 per month. Cost for which to be split between the Town of Princeton and the RDOS. Acting Mayor Jason Earle stated that their goal was to have this complete by August 1 and that he was “very pleased to be working together with the RDOS.” Finding solutions to the immediate ER situation is top priority for the Stakeholders Table, however they are working on long term solutions at the same time.
LIGHTNING STRIKES Local Jennifer Bernard captured this incredible light show from Tulameen Avenue during the storms that took place over Princeton on Friday, July 13. The lightning did spark a few fires in the area which were quickly extinguished.
All Candidates meeting is set for July 31 Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
The Princeton and District Chamber of Commerce will host an All Candidates meeting on July 31, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. Mayoral candidates Frank Armitage, Rosemary Doughty and Councillor candidates Doug Pateman and Rob Rubis will be present. This is an opportunity for residents to come out to hear what
Weather Watch
the candidates have to say, ask questions of them and get their views on what ever topics are asked about. If you have a question that you would like asked, but prefer not to do so in a public forum, or can not attend the meeting, you may submit your question to the chamber by Friday, July 27. Bring your question to the chamber office located at 105 Highway 3 East or email chamber@nethop.net.
See the Local Experts for all Your Real Estate needs. View our photo boards at 224 Bridge Street, Princeton BC.
Wednesday
High 31/Low 16
Thursday
High 28/Low 14
Friday
High 28/Low 13
The Local Experts
Saturday
High 28/Low 13
PRINCETON REALTY
Sunday
High 29/Low 14
Phone: 250-295-6977 Fax: 250-295-3411
View photos on-line at www.princetonbc.com THE LEADER IN SALES AND LISTINGS YEAR AFTER YEAR